I Just Can't Lose!

[Machinist]

Let me clarify

I guess the spiritual was never where you heart was to begin with. Good for you for getting out and being true to yourself. Hang on to that money.

I get up everyday and thank a god , i do believe, but i refuse to follow a organized religion run by men. When i say everyday i mean that. I thank god for my health, my friends, for the day in general. I thank that i am not handicapped, everything works. I enjoy the outdoors, being i grew up on a grain farm.
I try to accomplish something everyday. I do have goals, these can only be achieved by money. I can't make land , so i need money to buy it. I can't make enough money working a job in the normal sense. I have been quite lucky to found my niche in the world of casinos. I do not take it for granted.
I am lucky to have such a beautiful and understanding wife. We both are not people that need alot of much. Heck i can't get her to buy new clothes, imagine that!!! Just a quiet relaxing farm , full of animals, doing farm work, that is our goal. We are almost there. We are both farmers at heart.
Money for the sake of money no thanks. Organized religions, great for some people, not for me or my wife.....
Ask any of my long time friends what my response to the question,,,,, what are you doing today. Many times my answer is ( Just breathing in oxygen and enjoying the passage of time) I tend to do that alot if not (Working)

Take care all

Machinist

 

[Deathangl13]

I think you have that backwards. I know of no protestant denomination that requires tithing (although it is certainly suggested), but at least around here, the Catholic churches require you to tithe 15% to be a member.

Than neither one has a mandatory tithing.... Catholics have no such mandatory tithing....

From the Catechism... and this is a rather obvious necessity, and goes back to the apostles who frequently lived off of the graciousness of others...

Code of Canon Law no 222:

“The Christian faithful are obliged to assist with the needs of the Church so that the Church has what is necessary for divine worship, for apostolic works and works of charity and for the decent sustenance of ministers. They are also obliged to promote social justice and, mindful of the precept of the Lord, to assist the poor from their own resources.”

 

[aslan]

Catholics have no mandatory "tithing" as with Protestant religions. There are Parrish donations that are redistributed to the poor of the Parrish... Growing up, I remember the sisters bringing us all kinds of food donations in big boxes for years. While I am no longer a practicing Catholic, I learned a lot about this ancient religion as an apologist. My personal hang ups with religion have more to do with man, than Yeshua and their aligning themselves with government. Fundamentalist right wing politicians forcing their moral opinions on the people. Morals are a matter of opinion that shouldn't be imposed on otherwise harmless people.

For sure, tithing is a voluntary thing in the Catholic Church. Whatever they do with the money, and as you point out, it can go to some really worthwhile uses, attachment to money is a real obstacle to spiritual growth, so it is actually very beneficial to the religious person to tithe. What a person loves, that's where his heart is.

To bring this back to blackjack, when I first started counting, it was an obsession. I spent hundreds of hours at the tables over a very short period. I've backed off now. The money motive is not that big with me as it once was. Same with the idea of beating the casino. Now I am an occasional player.

One of the things I experienced was how quickly things adjust to your expected edge. I could win five or six sessions straight and be up, say, $5,000. Then in a single session, I might drop $4,500. Bam! I thought I was beating the odds, until the correction came. In the long run, you can't escape your expected advantage, no more, no less, so don't spend all those short term gains where you made 25%, when in the long run you know you are supposed to make 1% to 2%.

 

[aslan]

I get up everyday and thank a god , i do believe, but i refuse to follow a organized religion run by men. When i say everyday i mean that. I thank god for my health, my friends, for the day in general. I thank that i am not handicapped, everything works. I enjoy the outdoors, being i grew up on a grain farm.
I try to accomplish something everyday. I do have goals, these can only be achieved by money. I can't make land , so i need money to buy it. I can't make enough money working a job in the normal sense. I have been quite lucky to found my niche in the world of casinos. I do not take it for granted.
I am lucky to have such a beautiful and understanding wife. We both are not people that need alot of much. Heck i can't get her to buy new clothes, imagine that!!! Just a quiet relaxing farm , full of animals, doing farm work, that is our goal. We are almost there. We are both farmers at heart.
Money for the sake of money no thanks. Organized religions, great for some people, not for me or my wife.....
Ask any of my long time friends what my response to the question,,,,, what are you doing today. Many times my answer is ( Just breathing in oxygen and enjoying the passage of time) I tend to do that alot if not (Working)

Take care all

Machinist

I can certainly identify with just about everything you say. The line about religion run by men, I can't think of anyone else who could run one. Everything in life is run by men, so there will always be a threat of corruption in any human organization. So you have to ask yourself, why do I belong to this organization? Is it fulfilling any need for me. In my case, the Catholic Church does fulfill a great need, so I remain a member, mindful always of the fact that men are men, and men often have less that worthy motives and sometimes lead false or secret lives. But that is true of all society, and I am not dropping out of society either. As for tithing, I believe the money goes to good purposes. If I didn't, I wouldn't give there, I'd find somewhere else. But for me there is a need to give money for good purposes. Keeping it would prevent me from being the person I want to be, and being rich isn't part of the plan. Da*n, I must be getting old! I remember when I was going to be a millionaire before I reached 30. lol

 

[21gunsalute]

Than neither one has a mandatory tithing.... Catholics have no such mandatory tithing....

From the Catechism... and this is a rather obvious necessity, and goes back to the apostles who frequently lived off of the graciousness of others...

Code of Canon Law no 222:

“The Christian faithful are obliged to assist with the needs of the Church so that the Church has what is necessary for divine worship, for apostolic works and works of charity and for the decent sustenance of ministers. They are also obliged to promote social justice and, mindful of the precept of the Lord, to assist the poor from their own resources.”

Well I've visited my niece's Catholic Church and they have offering envelopes on the back of the pughs that you are supposed to fill out with your name, address, etc along with the amount you are enclosing. Also on the envelope in bold print it states. "Tithe-10%/Parrish Tithe-5%". I'm sure they don't hold a gun to your head if you don't tithe and they probably won't even boot you out of the congregation if you don't, but that sounds to me like more than a mere suggestion.

 

[Deathangl13]

Well I've visited my niece's Catholic Church and they have offering envelopes on the back of the pughs that you are supposed to fill out with your name, address, etc along with the amount you are enclosing. Also on the envelope in bold print it states. "Tithe-10%/Parrish Tithe-5%". I'm sure they don't hold a gun to your head if you don't tithe and they probably won't even boot you out of the congregation if you don't, but that sounds to me like more than a mere suggestion.

Don't forget since the reformation there have been many spin off religions from Catholic. There is a little box in the front of the church that you can drop money into for the poor of your Parrish, then there are two collections during Mass that go towards the support of that church. By no means are any of these mandatory, how would they know anyway? I've gone to many different Catholic churches throughout the world, and I could've been Satan for all they knew....

 

[aslan]

Well I've visited my niece's Catholic Church and they have offering envelopes on the back of the pughs that you are supposed to fill out with your name, address, etc along with the amount you are enclosing. Also on the envelope in bold print it states. "Tithe-10%/Parrish Tithe-5%". I'm sure they don't hold a gun to your head if you don't tithe and they probably won't even boot you out of the congregation if you don't, but that sounds to me like more than a mere suggestion.

Tithing is a sound principle, and a Biblical one at that, but certainly not a mandatory one (unless you want to grow spiritually). In keeping with the name of this thread, but far afield from its topic, You just can't lose. Nothing is more beneficial to the soul than demonstrating where your heart is, that is, storing up your treasures in heaven, and not on earth, which is a fleeting moment in time. And one perfect way to do that is to give your wealth on earth to good causes--the poor, the underprivileged, the handicapped, the preaching of the gospel (if you're a Christian).

Some will say, I don't trust what they do with the money. Then look around until you find a Church whose programs of social action reflect the values you believe in. A great aspect of giving is that it yields the same reward to the giver even if the gift is misused as it does if it is properly used. So, the giver can't lose. Still, it's much, much better to find a place to give where the needy win as well.

That being said, tomorrow I am starting a new church. I will begin accepting donations by wire and by mail. First, .... lol Gothcha!

 

[sagefr0g]

Tithing is a sound principle, and a Biblical one at that, but certainly not a mandatory one (unless you want to grow spiritually). In keeping with the name of this thread, but far afield from its topic, You just can't lose. Nothing is more beneficial to the soul than demonstrating where your heart is, that is, storing up your treasures in heaven, and not on earth, which is a fleeting moment in time. And one perfect way to do that is to give your wealth on earth to good causes--the poor, the underprivileged, the handicapped, the preaching of the gospel (if you're a Christian).

...!

just curious as to where ethical behavior falls on what ever scale of measurement that tithing might be on with respect to topic of You just can't lose?

 

[aslan]

just curious as to where ethical behavior falls on what ever scale of measurement that tithing might be on with respect to topic of You just can't lose?

Sorry I'm such a dummy, Sage...I don't understand your question.

 

[sagefr0g]

Sorry I'm such a dummy, Sage...I don't understand your question.

don't be sorry for my poorly structured question, lmao.

errhh, like on a scale of one to ten or whatever, sort of thing.
tithing is a good thing right? so where does ethical behavior stand relative to tithing on the good scale for those of us wannabe's seeking to live in the world where You just can't lose

 

[bjcount]

Giving anonymously

Aslan, I don't know how we got off on a tangent, but with the Holidays around it's a good message.

You just can't lose!

Some feel it as a requirement while others do it to receive a blessing.

Where others do it for recognition, others do it for the tax deduction.

Life has been great even with all it's trials and tribulations. At times we've all wished for help, guidance, assistance. Somtimes help came direct while other times it presented itself it some odd fashion.

For us, we live and give anonymously. No fanfare, no thank you, no expectations.

A few times a year, we get a couple of postal MO, one time to a church, the next time to a synagogue. Leave the senders name blank. Drop in a note that asks for this to be given to a family in need, address the envelope, put the same name in the return address and mail it on it's way.

Done.

No requests in the mail for additional donations, no letters of thank you from the receipients, nothing.

If we (this community) are blessed enough to be talking and playing of $10-$120 or $25-$300 spreads in BJ and have BR in the thousands, then a small toke to those going through tough times should be a meaningless sum to us.

JMO

BJC

 

[daddybo]

Giving anonymously is the best kind of giving.

 

[Machinist]

I know of that Millionaire also

I can certainly identify with just about everything you say. The line about religion run by men, I can't think of anyone else who could run one. Everything in life is run by men, so there will always be a threat of corruption in any human organization. So you have to ask yourself, why do I belong to this organization? Is it fulfilling any need for me. In my case, the Catholic Church does fulfill a great need, so I remain a member, mindful always of the fact that men are men, and men often have less that worthy motives and sometimes lead false or secret lives. But that is true of all society, and I am not dropping out of society either. As for tithing, I believe the money goes to good purposes. If I didn't, I wouldn't give there, I'd find somewhere else. But for me there is a need to give money for good purposes. Keeping it would prevent me from being the person I want to be, and being rich isn't part of the plan. Da*n, I must be getting old! I remember when I was going to be a millionaire before I reached 30. lol

LMAO!!!! A millionaire before 30 i love it!!!! Reason i laugh is i have my baby brother who still at 45 ish wants to get there!!! We have been partners in this AP life for a long time. Nice to have a partner that is trust worthy to the end. I have seen many partnerships die a horrible death!!!
I am glad that money for you is also just a tool of life.. I have helped alot of my inlaws and such, nephews for college. I have alot of nieces and nephews i think i have taught them all to fish, as i do alot of that. I taught most how to ride motorcycles safely, as MX is my sport. I need to know where and how my money is being used.
If i give to organizations, a very small part goes as it should. I'm sure there are some great ones, that wouldn't abuse my gift. But i just choose to keep it in my small circle. LOL
Glad to see a sensible discussion here. Gives a nice glimpse into each others world other than BJ.
Gotta go . I have a stock trailer that i have to help the neighbors load 2 pig into to take to the butcher. Shouldn't be alot of fun, they are about 250lb pigs!! Pigs go where they want to!!

Take care all
Machinist

 

[aslan]

don't be sorry for my poorly structured question, lmao.

errhh, like on a scale of one to ten or whatever, sort of thing.
tithing is a good thing right? so where does ethical behavior stand relative to tithing on the good scale for those of us wannabe's seeking to live in the world where You just can't lose

It's sort of like, "How spiritual a person do you want to be?" Remember the rich man who asked Jesus what more he could do, since he had already kept all the commandments, and Jesus said to him that he only lacked one thing. His advice was, "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." He walked away and so do all the rest of us. lol Later, Jesus said it is hard for a rich man to get to heaven, but all things are possible with God. Phew! That's a relief! lol

I don't think there is anything magical about giving one tenth of your income to good causes. I mean, ten per cent is one thing if you are debt free, but it's quite another thing if you have a home mortgage, a car payment, and other debts. Since you are already committed to all these debts, you are probably not free to give so much. Recently I have been intrigued by Dave Ramsey, the financial advisor on cable who advocates becoming debt free. I am trying to get there, but it flies in the face of everything I have learned about finances over the years.

I know I still haven't answered your question. I am now thinking about the poor widow who gave a penny, but it was all she had to live on. In spiritual terms, it was considered a greater gift than all the money that well off people gave out of their excess. I guess the formula, if you want a formula, is: The more you give on earth, the more treasure you have in heaven. It goes way beyond any moral code (keeping the commandments) and goes right to the heart of the matter when it comes to righteous living. I think it has to require an awful lot of faith in the providence of God, because if you view money as the only buffer against earthly disaster, then you will be totally powerless to follow Jesus' advice. Myself, I give out of my excess. lol I am not fooling myself. But at least I do give. I fancy I would give more if I were not married. <---gotta blame someone! hahaha :laugh::whip:

 

[aslan]

Aslan, I don't know how we got off on a tangent, but with the Holidays around it's a good message.

You just can't lose!

Some feel it as a requirement while others do it to receive a blessing.

Where others do it for recognition, others do it for the tax deduction.

Life has been great even with all it's trials and tribulations. At times we've all wished for help, guidance, assistance. Somtimes help came direct while other times it presented itself it some odd fashion.

For us, we live and give anonymously. No fanfare, no thank you, no expectations.

A few times a year, we get a couple of postal MO, one time to a church, the next time to a synagogue. Leave the senders name blank. Drop in a note that asks for this to be given to a family in need, address the envelope, put the same name in the return address and mail it on it's way.

Done.

No requests in the mail for additional donations, no letters of thank you from the receipients, nothing.

If we (this community) are blessed enough to be talking and playing of $10-$120 or $25-$300 spreads in BJ and have BR in the thousands, then a small toke to those going through tough times should be a meaningless sum to us.

JMO

BJC

Well said. And I particularly like the pains you go to give anonymously. If there is anything that appeals to my vanity it is to have other people see how generous and good I am. lol What did Jesus say? You already have your reward if you do it to be seen, so don't look for any treasure in heaven. hahaha

 

[Machinist]

Wow Dave Ramsey

Hey Aslan a small world!!!!!!!!! I too listened to Dave Ramsey many years ago when he had just started his show in Nashville. Do it man!!!!!! We did it , no car payments, no credit cards, 2 mortgages, but not much left on either. Everything is saved for and paid with cash. Our last truck a toyota tundra, we bought in 2001 i think? We bought with about 70 percent down and paid off rest in a year.
All i can say is he a good christian man . As you know he also wanted to be a millionaire early on. Lost it all he did. Now look at him. Yea just do it!!!! Takes a while to get it going , but after a while it's just what ya do..

take care

Machinist

 

[aslan]

Reading your post here I can understand why Jesus kept company with average folks, not the wealthy and the powerful, and the highly respected persons of society. I hope each of you has the best Thanksgiving ever! From where I sit, I am sure you deserve it, because your hearts are all in the right place. It is humbling to know so many fine people even if it is anonymously.

 

[sagefr0g]

.. I guess the formula, if you want a formula, is: The more you give on earth, the more treasure you have in heaven. It goes way beyond any moral code (keeping the commandments) and goes right to the heart of the matter when it comes to righteous living...

see that sort of surprises me.
cause, lot's of people don't have anything (edit: errhh i mean money) to give.

just curious, how do you interpret that stuff in the Bible about casting bread upon the waters?
i mean for some reason i think it means to trust in a higher power sort of thing while we take chances on stuff that can't be fully understood (such as the future, ect.). that makes me think that ethical stuff can be converted to hard value.

 

[aslan]

see that sort of surprises me.
cause, lot's of people don't have anything (edit: errhh i mean money) to give.

just curious, how do you interpret that stuff in the Bible about casting bread upon the waters?
i mean for some reason i think it means to trust in a higher power sort of thing while we take chances on stuff that can't be fully understood (such as the future, ect.). that makes me think that ethical stuff can be converted to hard value.

But that shouldn't surprise you, because the widow who gave a single penny was considered to have given more than the rich man who gave a huge amount of money.

Well, there is a catch 22. (naturally!) Remember Solomon? Because he wanted wisdom, God made him the wealthiest man the world has ever seen. So all you have to do is desire wisdom above all things, and you're a rich man---NOT. If you are desiring wisdom in order to get God to give you wealth, I think he can see through that ruse. lol What you really want is wealth, not wisdom! lol

I once tested the Bible's words. It said, do not worry about what you shall wear, and what you shall eat. blah blah Seek first the kingdom of God and all these things will be given unto thee. I was at a low point in my life financially speaking. What I did was determine not to do anything whatsoever to feed myself to see if God would really provide for me. If it didn't happen, then I need not trust the scriptures anymore, but if it did happen, then I would know that it is true.

I went three and a half days without eating. Sometimes this animal like spirit would try to overcome me, you know, all seedy-eyed and looking to take whatever I could, but I stayed true to myself and kept faith. After thee and a half days I was walking the three miles from the pool room where I spent the day (not gambling, just visiting friends) to my house (rented room) at three o'clock in the morning. My head was in the clouds as I walked across an empty parking lot when I walked right into a brown paper shopping bag. I bent over to see that it was filled with every kind of fruit--apples, grapes, peaches, bananas, etc. Apparently someone had driven off from the grocery store without one of their bags. But how did it happen that no one had checked to see what was in the bag? It seemed awfully miraculous to me. Imagine a bag filled with fruit just sitting there all those hours square in the middle of a large parking lot! Yet I walked right into it at three in the morning! My faith was so renewed that I ate my fill, then left, yes, left the rest right where I had found it. Why would I need to take it with me, if God was going to take care of my needs?

Fine. But after a while I said to myself, "What if that had just been a coincidence. I need to try the test again to make sure it was not just luck!" So I set out again to test the scriptures. This time I went, you guessed it, three and a half days without eating. Nothing. I was always careful not to tell anyone that I was hungry. I acted as if everything was okay. After three and a half days the "house man," Howard, yelled for me across the pool room. I went to see what he wanted. He said something to the effect, "Aslan, I can't get away from this cash register, but I have a real hankering for a nice lunch from the nearby delicatessen. If you will go there and bring back some meat, and cheese, and bread and all the trimmings, I will repay you by sharing it with you." You could have floored me. Here was the second answer to my test. However, this time it had not come directly from God, but through the agency of another person. That was one great lunch--let me tell you! Two tests, both answered. And a little lesson to boot. God answers prayer both directly and through the help of others. I have never questioned providence since. It's true what the Bible says. But we live so much above it, seemingly providing for ourselves from our hard earned money, that we don't realize that it is always there. It is something I will never forget.

 

[StandardDeviant]

It's not what happens in life that matters. It's what we believe about what has happened (or will happen). That is what is truth for each of us. Amazing - this actually ties to my original post in this far-reaching thread.